WHAT TO EXPECT IN POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION THERAPY: A GUIDE FOR NEW MOMS
You’ve made the brave step to schedule your first therapy session. Now you might be wondering, what can I expect? Or maybe you haven’t made the call just yet because you want to know more before making the call. That makes a lot of sense. Wherever you are in your journey, I want to give you insight into what to expect during your first postpartum depression therapy appointment so you can feel more at ease and ready to start the process of feeling like yourself again.
Before the first appointment, many moms have shared with me that they feel a sense of nervousness, fear, shame or even guilt for seeking therapy at all. They often find themselves thinking:
“What If I say the wrong thing?”
“What if I cry the whole time?”
“Will I be judged?”
What if this doesn’t help and I never get better?”
This is the reality many mothers hold. So if you’re having these questions swirl in your mind, please know you’re not alone.
Right now, postpartum probably feels really hard. You’re operating off two or three hours of sleep, your schedule has completely shifted to revolve around feedings, changings, and nap times. You look at yourself and the mirror and wonder “Where did I go?” It may feel like a fog is hovering over your days. Some moments feel impossible, and you notice you don’t feel like yourself anymore.
You may recognize some of these signs:
Irritability or rage
Tearfulness or sadness
Intrusive thoughts
Trouble bonding with your baby
Loss of joy or pleasure in things you used to love
Your first postpartum counseling session may feel intimidating like you’ll pour out your heart to a stranger, but here’s the truth:
Your first therapy session is not about judgment. It’s about unwavering support.
Here’s what you can expect:
A warm welcome from your therapist
Gentle questions that help you to share only what you feel ready to share
Validation and encouragement of your postpartum story
A safe space where your tears are never “too much”
Coping tools to help you leave feeling lighter than when you came in
A short assessment like the Edinburgh Scale and what your score means
Discussion of goals and what you want most for yourself from therapy
A roadmap of how therapy can help you moving forward
Remember, therapy is not a test. You do not have to show up perfectly or have it all together. You only need to show up as you are, in the way you feel comfortable. This is the beautiful beginning to reclaiming your joy in motherhood.
If you are searching for therapy for new moms and want a safe place to process postpartum depression, anxiety, or the transition into motherhood, I’d love to walk alongside you. Learn more about my therapy services here: https://worthytolivetherapy.com/individual-therapy. Postpartum Support International is another great resource for free support groups and provider directories of therapists specializing in maternal mental health.
Stay connected for more resources on birth trauma, postpartum mental health, and motherhood:
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Warmly,
Brittany Moffitt, LCSW-C
